gang days

pl. [A. S. gangdagas.] Days of perambulation, or of walking through the bounds of a parish, in Rogation-week. The clergy and parishioners walked round the fields and meadows, carrying banners, torches, and the images of saints, and sprinkling holy water on every side, believing that by this means they would ensure an abundant harvest, and protect the new-sown crop against the incursions of destructive animals. The origin of the practice is not clearly ascertained; according to some authorities it is an adaptation of a pagan custom. [LUSTRATION.] "In this tyme was institut the proce ioun of the gang day is in France, thre day is afore the Ascension day, be Mamercius byshop of Veen."-Bellenden: Cron., bk. ix., ch. vi. *gange, v. t. [GANG, v.]